Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Clerk of the Senate) Determination 2025

Overview

The Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Clerk of the Senate) Determination 2025, made by Senator the Hon Sue Lines, President of the Senate, amends the Parliamentary Service Determination 2012/1. This determination was enacted to address the need for updated remuneration for the Clerk of the Senate, reflecting current economic conditions and the responsibilities associated with the role. This amendment determination was made under the authority provided by subsection 63(1) of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 and was issued following advice from the Remuneration Tribunal. The primary objective of this amendment is to ensure that the remuneration for the Clerk of the Senate is appropriate and reflective of the role's requirements and market standards. The amendment sets the Clerk's Total Remuneration at $502,180 per annum, effective from 1 July 2025.

Scope and Application

The Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Clerk of the Senate) Determination 2025 amends the terms and conditions of the remuneration for the Clerk of the Senate as outlined in the Parliamentary Service Determination 2012/1. This determination applies to the Clerk of the Senate, an individual who is responsible for the administration of the Australian Senate, ensuring they receive a total remuneration of $502,180 per annum as of 1 July 2025. This amendment is made under the authority of subsection 63(1) of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 and follows advice from the Remuneration Tribunal. The determination is effective from the specified commencement date and replaces the previous clause regarding the Clerk’s remuneration, reflecting updated terms and conditions. This amendment does not extend beyond the scope of the Clerk’s remuneration and does not impact other parliamentary staff or different roles within the parliamentary service.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Clerk of the Senate) Determination 2025 include the commencement date, the amendment to the Parliamentary Service Determination 2012/1, and the specific clause regarding the Clerk of the Senate's remuneration and terms of appointment. The Determination commences on 1 July 2025 (section 1). It amends the existing Parliamentary Service Determination 2012/1, particularly clause 6.1, which now sets the Clerk's Total Remuneration at $502,180 per annum (section 2). This Amendment Determination imposes specific obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, it sets out the remuneration package for the Clerk of the Senate, replacing the previous terms and conditions with a new annual remuneration amount. The Determination also ensures that these changes are effective from the specified commencement date, thereby updating the legal framework governing the Clerk's compensation. The Determination does not explicitly list offences or penalties for breach. However, any failure to adhere to the new remuneration terms could potentially result in legal disputes or breaches of contract, given the binding nature of legislative amendments. It is important to note that while the Determination does not prescribe specific penalties, non-compliance could lead to administrative or legal consequences, depending on the interpretation and enforcement by relevant authorities. In summary, the Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Clerk of the Senate) Determination 2025 introduces a new remuneration figure for the Clerk of the Senate and mandates these terms from 1 July 2025. This Amendment carries significant implications for the Clerk’s employment conditions and sets a clear financial framework for their role. While the Determination itself does not detail specific penalties for non-compliance, any breaches could lead to broader legal or contractual repercussions.